Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Fatigue of RX

A month or so ago, I made the conscious decision that I was going to attempt to RX my workouts in CrossFit.  For you non-crossfit, RX is just like what your pharmacy label means.  As Prescribed.  It means doing the workout, as posted.  Not dropping the weight.  Not using bands on the pull-ups.

Some days, it's really hard to rack up a weight that is 15-50 pounds heavier than the person working out next to me.  But, I continue to rack it up.  I don't always finish the workout at the RX weight, but I give it a good effort before I drop the weight.  Realistically, since I made this decision, I've only dropped the weight when my form suffers.  Because, as with running and triathlon, form is everything. 

Today, we did Squat Cleans (135 for guys / 83 for girls.)   I racked it up.  I had mental debate on whether or not I could do even one rep.  The WOD was 12 Minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) with 3 squat cleans, 6 burpees, 9 pull-ups.  I thought, "I'm not able to do those pull-ups RX, so I might as well drop the weight.)   But, I didn't.   And I eeked out 5 2/3 rounds, finishing my 6th full round after time expired.   My weight was RX, my pull-ups were jumping (which doesn't count as RX.) 

On the way home, James & I were talking about weights.  I was complaining about how heavy the weight had been -- and that my arms were toast after the squat cleans this morning following 21-15-9 reps of Split Jerks (73#) last night.  He divulged that at least 3 of the guys this morning worked out with 95#.    I know it's not a competition with anyone other than myself.  But, damn, it just feels good to keep up with the boys sometimes. 

Now, I'm exhausted.  My arms ache.  I'm aware of most of the muscles in my shoulders.  My quads are sore.  I dread getting up to walk to the break room to fill my water bottle.  I'm not even sure I can eat today, as lifting my fork from a plate to my mouth may prove to be a challenge.  A nap, yes, a nap would be good.

But, I've accomplished a good bit today.  I've pushed myself hard.  I've pushed through my mental weakness.  It's an awesome feeling.

3 comments:

  1. i saw a tee in a magazine yesterday that said "Lift Like A Girl"....you NEED that!!

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  2. Way to push yourself, Lauren! Lifting heavier weights is something that I really struggle with.

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  3. How AWESOME and inspiring!

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

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